Newsletter: July / August 2005

In this newsletter

Skin Tips for the Summer Months

Summer has arrived. The days are longer, and the sun’s light is much stronger. Although all of us enjoy our beautiful sunny weather, it is very important, especially at this time of year, to take appropriate precautions and protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Please remember that the single most important factor in preventing skin cancer is limiting your exposure to the sun. Here are some tips you can use to protect your skin this summer and all year long.

Always use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15, and remember to reapply it every two hours or after working, swimming, playing, or exercising outdoors. Use a sun block with a broad-spectrum formulation, which filters out long and short UVA and UVB light. Also remember to apply sunscreen to your ears and lip balm with sun block to your lips.

Limit your exposure to the midday sun, as the sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Seek shade. Shade is a good source of protection. Watch your shadow. If you see a sharply defined shadow, then seek shade.

Wear a wide brim hat. This provides good sun protection to your eyes, ears, face, and the back of your neck. A baseball cap, while it may be attractive, will not protect your face as well as a wide brim hat.

Cover up. Wearing tightly woven, loose fitting, full-length clothing is a good way to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Protective clothing includes long pants, long skirts, and long sleeved shirts.

Wear sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet light. This will protect against cataracts and other eye damage.

Watch the UV index. The UV index can be found daily in the Los Angeles Times weather section. The index gives an indication of how strong the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays will be on that day.

Avoid sun lamps and tanning parlors. In general, it is a good idea to avoid artificial sources of ultraviolet (UV) light.

Skin cancer, Melanoma, and Moles

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States, and over one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in this country each year.

The risk factors for skin cancer include unprotected or excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, fair complexion, occupational exposure to various toxic substances, family history of skin cancer, history of severe sunburns as a child, and multiple or atypical appearing moles.

Over 90% of skin cancers are basal cell cancers. This is the least aggressive type of skin cancer. These cancers almost never spread to other parts of the body. However, they can cause damage by growing and invading surrounding tissues. Squamous cell cancer occurs about 25% as often as basal cell cancer. Squamous cell cancers can spread to other parts of the body. This most commonly occurs when the squamous cell cancer involves the lower lip. Melanoma is the most serious and aggressive type of skin cancer. Melanomas have the potential to spread to other areas of the body. Melanomas become life threatening when they act in this manner. Approximately 60,000 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the United States during 2005.

Skin cancer is almost always curable when found early. Both doctors and patients play important roles in finding skin cancers early.

What are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer?

Because the skin is completely visible, skin cancers can often be found early. If you have any of the following symptoms, it might indicate the presence of a skin cancer, and you should see your doctor for an evaluation.

Any change in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot

A new growth, not previously present on the skin

Scalincess, oozing, or bleeding from a bump or nodule on the skin

A mole or a mark with an irregular border, with pigment spreading past the edge of the mole or mark

A rough, red, or bumpy area that’s bigger than the head of a match and doesn’t clear up

An area of skin that stays irritated, red, or itchy

An area of skin that keeps cracking or bleeding

A colored spot that gets bigger

A brown or black spot that’s wider than 1/4 inch (the size of a pencil eraser) or that changes color or size.

Not all changes in the skin are cancer, but you should see your doctor if you notice changes in your skin that last longer than two weeks. And don’t wait to feel pain, since skin cancers seldom cause pain.

What about my moles?

Moles are very common. The average Caucasian has about 20 moles on his or her body. Most moles are harmless, but it is important to know when a mole exhibits signs that suggest it may be a “dangerous mole.”
A normal mole has a sharp margin, a uniform color, a symmetrical shape, and a smooth outline or contour. Usually, they are smaller than a pencil eraser and of a single color, usually pink to tan to dark brown.

When looking at a mole, remember the “ABCDE” warning signs that the mole could be a “dangerous mole.”

A: Asymmetry, where one half does not match the other half
B: Border irregularity, where the edges are ragged or blurred and not sharp
C: Color, in which the pigmentation is not uniform. The appearance may be mottled or splotchy
D: Diameter, where the width of the mole is greater than six millimeters (larger than the size of a pencil eraser)
E: Elevation, in which the mole appears elevated or raised above the skin
There is also the “ugly duckling” sign. The “ugly duckling” is a mole that looks or acts differently than all of the other moles on the body. This would include moles that ulcerate, bleed, change shape, or change color.
What is the best way to examine my skin?

The best time to examine your skin is after a bath or shower, while your skin is still wet.
Use a full-length mirror if you have one. Start at your head, and work your way down, looking at all areas of your body. Try to check your skin once a month. When it comes to the health of your skin, it is a good idea to be proactive and keep an eye out for dangerous moles.